Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Intelligence, IT & Communications
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Devonport
An Electronic Warfare Specialist (EWS) is integral to maritime warfighting, combining electronic warfare with intelligence analysis. This dual role enhances the effectiveness of naval operations by identifying the unknown and providing intelligence in complex operational environments. You will ensure the ship is not fighting the unknown.
EWS’ primary war fighting role is to identify and defend against Anti-Ship missiles. EWS are trained to have intimate knowledge of ships, aircraft, and their associated weapons and radars.
EWS’ work allows the ships Command Team to make well informed decisions at a tactical level assisting in early warning against potential threats. EWS’ are able to present information clearly and concisely to those in command, giving them an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed.
Electronic Warfare Specialists also must be able to gain and maintain a TOP SECRET SPECIAL security clearance as the day-to-day work is highly sensitive. Electronic Warfare Specialists are able to understand and meet the strict security constraints that surround this type of work.
In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors on-board HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship and operational units.
Accepting Applications
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Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
“Going to so many different places thereʻs so much opportunity out there. If you’re the type of person you can definitely jump in at any chance you get – that’s the reason I joined.”
Jeanette Landers
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Job on base
When Electronic Warfare Specialists are not deployed they will work in the Naval Operations Support Unit (NOSU). In this unit EWS are responsible for providing support to deployed ships and units by maintaining situational awareness of events around the world. As a EWS in NOSU you will be expected to research, analyse and deliver briefs based on current events and ship movements.
EWS’ are also employed in a number of shore based operational support units locally and internationally.
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Job on deployment
Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea primarily work in operations room intercepting radar emissions, maintaining situational awareness and identifying potential threats to the ship. An Electronic Warfare Specialists war fighting role is to identify and defend against Anti-Ship missiles by utilising cutting edge decoy systems and an intimate knowledge of tactics and procedures to limit the threat an Anti- Ship missile poses to the ship.
Electronic Warfare Specialists are primarily employed on ANZAC Class ships (Frigates). However Electronic Warfare Specialists will deploy on any HMNZ ships if there is an operational requirement to do so.
EWS have the opportunity to have one of the most diverse set of deployment opportunities including in addition to Ship deployments and land based operations there are opportunities to work with allied and coalition forces internationally including in Canada, the UK and Australia on a regular basis.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:
- Teamwork and support
- Naval history and customs
- Drill and parades
- Core mariner skills and weapons training
- First aid and firefighting
- Physical fitness
- Self-discipline
02Job Training
Job Training
On completion of Basic Common Training (BCT), an Ordinary Electronic Warfare Specialist (OEWS) will undergo their first Electronic Warfare Specialist training at the Maritime Electronic Warfare School in Devonport for 4 weeks before commencing a 16 week course at HMAS Watson with the Royal Australian Navy.
This training encompasses technical radar theory, basic signal analysis and intelligence training.
Once returned to New Zealand after training is complete, an OEWS will post to the Naval Operations Support Unit for On Job Training. They will put to work the new knowledge and skills gained towards promotion to Able Electronic Warfare Specialist (AEWS).
Further training will be provided to enable AEWS to fight our ships. This training will provide knowledge and skillsets to utilise cutting edge equipment to detect and classify potential threats and to employ war fighting tactics to ensure the ship is safe.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
Further courses, promotions and training opportunities are available throughout your career as are opportunities to deploy on Peacekeeping missions and overseas operational deployments.
04Specialist Training
Specialist Training
Throughout your career as an Electronic Warfare Specialist, you will continually be training both ashore and at sea.
Ashore, you train an update your skillsets in equipment usage and new tactics and procedures. This training ensures you remain competent and current to conduct operations.
At sea, you will conduct exercises onboard RNZN ships to refine the training you receive ashore and improve on teamwork in the Operations Room. We train with partner Navies from around the world including but not limited to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UK and USA.
05Career Progression
Career Progression
On completion of Basic Common Training (BCT), an Ordinary Electronic Warfare Specialist (OEWS) will undergo their first Electronic Warfare Specialist training (AEWS Phase1).
After AEWS Phase 1 training is complete, an OEWS will post to the Naval Operations Support Unit for On Job Training. You will put to work the new knowledge and skills gained in training towards promotion to Able Electronic Warfare Specialist (AEWS).
Once promoted to AEWS you will then conduct AEWS Phase 2 training and learn specialised Anzac Frigate war fighting systems before posting to HMNZS Te Kaha or HMNZS Te Mana.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Be Prepared

Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness

The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
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